Senior Designer (Urban) / Principal Designer (Urban)

Requisition Number: 1258

Salary Range: $102,167.42 - $120,402.98 per annum

Position Type: Full Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Cairns Regional Council is seeking a design professional to fill a newly created role that recognises the critical role of design in shaping the future of the Cairns Region. The small but mighty City Architecture team is growing in recognition of the value and achievements of this awarded team since its inception in 2024. This position will complement, shape and grow the impact of this team in Council and across the Cairns Region.

Drawing on your expertise in Urban Design, Architecture and/or Landscape Architecture, with this role you will help to influence the future of the region's urban and built environments. You will bring a strong design lens to strategic challenges and provide leadership in delivering integrated, holistic, place-based outcomes.

Cairns is experiencing significant change, driven by population growth, housing demand, and climate adaptation challenges. As a key part of Council's Growth and Sustainability branch, you will shape integrated, strategic and contextually relevant solutions that support a healthy, and resilient future for the region.

Working closely with the City Architect and multidisciplinary teams across Council, you will apply design thinking from the strategic through to the technical, that respond to both immediate and long-term city-shaping challenges.

The Role Will:

- Provide urban design leadership, across strategic planning, policy development, and city-shaping initiatives.
- Contribute to the development of innovative solutions addressing housing,



climate resilience, adaptation, and urban growth.
- Support the delivery of projects across many scales including site scaled interventions, place based urban realm and master planning projects through to city scale policy and stagey.
- Collaborate across Council teams to champion high-quality urban design outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with industry, government stakeholders, Traditional Owners, and the community to develop outcomes relevant to the needs and aspirations of the Cairns Region.
- Influence policy and design approaches that strengthen the region's identity, liveability, sustainability, and resilience.
- Offer internal and external design review for major urban developments.

What We Are Looking For:

You are a skilled and forward-thinking urban design professional with experience in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related discipline. You bring a strong understanding of contemporary city-shaping challenges and are passionate about creating places that are resilient, inclusive, and connected to Country. You are an effective collaborator who can engage diverse stakeholders, communicate design ideas clearly, and translate strategic objectives into implementable solutions and impactful outcomes.

Why Join Cairns Regional Council?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of Australia's most unique regions,



connected to world heritage rainforest, and reef, as a gateway to Cape York and neighbours in the Pacific. You will work on projects and policies that influence how Cairns grows, adapts, and thrives, while contributing to meaningful outcomes for Culture, communities, places, and the unique tropical environment.

Benefits we offer:

- Relevant skilled registration and CPD
- Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
- Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
- Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
- Up to 3 weeks personal leave
- Relocation assistance may be available for preferred
- candidates.
- Salary sacrifice opportunities
- Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
- Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

We are committed to:

- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
- Cultivating professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU!

Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted for any questions relating to the role via:

Phone: (07) 4044 3310

Email: [email protected]

Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council

📌 Senior Designer (Urban) / Principal Designer (Urban)
🏢 Cairns Regional Council
📍 Cairns